SECTOR 4 There can be an editorial rule not to cover certain personalities, events, or opinions. Some journalists also learned from experience that a specific type of story will not be approved by the editor and then “they realise they have to write in a certain way to be published.” There are also journalists, from either private or public media houses, who tend to write in a certain way to “line themselves up for higher appointments.” But there are still those journalists who prevail. In a case where “they are intimidated but backed up” by the media house, they will keep pursuing their story. In theory, some media houses have clear editorial policies to ensure editorial independence; these are however often neglected in practice. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 1.9 (2013:2.4; 2011:1.6; 2009:2.0; 2007:2.0; 2005:1.4) 4.7 Media professionals have access to training facilities offering formal qualification programmes as well as opportunities to upgrade skills. The Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM), based in Lusaka, offers diplomas in journalism, journalism and public relations, agriculture journalism as well as certificates in journalism. The full-time diploma programme usually takes three years, with the journalism and public relations programme taking four years, while certificate courses usually take one year. Specialised short courses, such as gender and media, agriculture and journalism, and a refresher course covering the safety of journalists are offered in English. Oftentimes media owners and editors sign up for courses meant for journalists (sometimes due to the financial aspect) when the participation is sponsored by AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2017 63